The general watched as they came through the gate two days early, carrying their CO who looked seriously injured. Medics were immediately called and he was whisked out on a stretcher. Three hours later the CMO was in General Hammond's office.

"His right leg has three breaks. The orthopedic surgeon is going to pin them back together and put a rod in the lower half of his leg tonight now that we have him stabilized. There is still a significant risk of infection since it took a day to get him back to the gate, but we have him on strong IV antibiotics. If he manages to keep his leg it will take six months or more to recover the ability to walk unassisted, and I doubt he will ever be fit enough to resume going off world."

"Thank you, doctor." The CMO left the general's office to get back to the other officers waiting to hear about their CO.

Sam opened her email account as soon as she sat down at her computer in the morning. She had three messages. She decided to open the one from General Hammond first. He wanted to meet with her and Colonel O'Neill at 1000. That left her three hours to get coffee, eat, and figure out what the meeting was about. The email from Colonel O'Neill said he didn't do anything, at least nothing he though they would both get called in for and asked if she had any ideas. She replied and said she had no clue. The last email she opened was from Daniel reminding her to meet him for breakfast.

Sam got to the commissary and saw Daniel nursing his coffee while writing on a tablet. She paid for her coffee and muffin and sat down across from Daniel. She leaned over to see what he was doing but he moved the paper. That only made her more curious.

"Are you translating something?"

"No."

"Are you writing a loooove letter?"

"What? Ahhhhhh...No!" The flush rising on Daniels cheeks told Sam she was onto something and she felt like having a little fun with Daniel, especially since he had not finished his first cup of coffee yet.

"Have you been holding out on me, Daniel?"

"What do you mean by holding out?"

"Are you seeing somebody and not telling?"

"No. Do you promise this will stay between us?"

"Yes."

"Promise?"

"Yes, Daniel!"

"Ok. I'm writing an old friend from college. I had a huge crush on her back then but she just saw me as a brother-like friend. We met a few times for dinner and drinks while I was in grad school but after a while it was down to the occasional Christmas card. She wrote last week to let me know she got divorced last year and asked if we could meet and talk."

"Wow. What are you going to do?"

"So far I have written an ‘I am really busy right now’ letter and an 'I'd love to’ letter. Now I am working on something in between like a 'maybe sometime soon’ letter. I doubt I have it in me to be her rebound guy."

"What about being her brother/friend guy?"

"Maybe"

At that moment, Teal’c sat down with a large tray of food. The amount of food made Sam smile. She couldn't imagine eating that much food in one day, let alone just for breakfast. She thought it was a good thing they each carried their own rations when they went off world. His pack must weigh a ton! They agreed to meet back for lunch. Daniel promised to drag the Colonel along.

Sam excused herself so she could get a couple of reports finished before she was due in General Hammond’s office. At 0955 she was waiting in front of the general's door. She preferred to wait until the colonel showed before entering. At 0957 he stepped up behind her.

"What did you do, Carter?"

"Nothing...I think, sir. What did you do?"

"I wish I knew."

The colonel knocked and was rewarded with, "Enter". They both stepped in and saluted.

The general returned their salutes and said, "Colonel, Major, at ease. Please be seated."

The general just looked at them as they sat down across from his desk.

"I suppose you have both heard that the CO of SG-4 was badly injured when he fell on PX4-873 a few days ago?"

"Yes, sir." They both replied in unison.

"I am left needing to find a new CO for SG-4 on a permanent basis. Major, I doubt you are aware that based upon the colonel’s recommendation, I submitted the paperwork to initiate your promotion to Lt. Colonel a couple weeks ago."

Carter's mouth opened and her eyes began to shine. She felt the excitement rise in her chest and had no idea what to say except, "Thank you, sirs".

"You have earned it, Major." Carter looked at the colonel and he nodded to second the comment from the general.

"I expect it to take a few months for the paperwork to get processed, which is why I had not discussed the ramifications of this promotion with either of you yet. I thought we had time to plan for the necessary changes to SG-1, but I have decided that the current need for leadership on SG-4 has removed the luxury of time. Major, I am assigning you as the new CO for SG-4."

There was a moment of silence as this started to sink in.

"Thank you, sir. I will do my best to make you proud."

"I know you will, Major. I gave SG-4 this week off, since they needed some time to relax. They will return next week for down time on base which will allow you to get better acquainted. I am having all of their mission files and personnel reports pulled. They will be delivered to your office tomorrow. That should give you a chance to get a history on the team and be ready when they return. Any questions, Major?"

"No, sir. Thank you, sir."

The general took a long look at Carter's face. He could see how happy she was at the upcoming promotion and the chance at a command. He could also see her dismay at the realization that she was no longer part of SG-1. She was torn. To be honest so was he. He knew SG-1 worked together better than any of the other SG teams, they had a close bond one he hated to disrupt. He could not let that bond and the effectiveness of the team stand in the way of Major Carter’s well deserved promotion, or her chance to show her leadership skills.

"Since SG-4 is on leave you may also use some of this week as leave as long as you take some time to look through the files and prepare for next week. Dismissed."

"Yes, sir." Major Carter stood and gave a crisp salute before leaving. Colonel O'Neill hadn't moved or spoken. He looked shell-shocked.

"SG-1 has been placed on down time for the remainder of the week as well. That can be longer if necessary while you look for a new team member. There are several new recruits that have shown some real promise. I would like you to look for someone with a background in gate technology to help keep the team well rounded. Perhaps Major Carter can make some recommendations."

"Yes, sir."

"Jack, you knew this would happen when you recommended her promotion."

"Yes, sir. I...I just thought it would take longer. I thought I would have more time to prepare...the team."

"I did too, but the situation required action and I believe this is the right move for Major Carter."

"So do I. She will be a great CO." The colonel’s words rang true. He knew Carter would be a great CO. He also doubted he could ever find a better 2IC.

"I have asked that personnel briefs be collected and dropped off in your office so you can begin looking for a fourth team member."

"Thank you, sir. I will notify the rest of the team."

"Good. Dismissed."

Jack stood and saluted. He left the office with his head hanging down, looking at the floor. He paused and glanced at the gate as he was leaving. He knew it would never be the same without her. It took so little to cause such a big change. He suddenly realized he wasn't going to like it out there as much with her backing him up.

Sam went back to her office and sat staring at her computer. She was the CO of SG-4. The CO of SG-4! She could wait until lunch to tell Daniel and Teal’c. She felt a large lump grow in her throat. She missed them already.

Sam went to the commissary at 1215. Sam sat beside Teal’c. There was enough room beside Daniel for Colonel O'Neill, who had not yet arrived.
"Congratulations, Sam" said Daniel with as much of a smile as he could muster.

"Yes. I am sure you are very proud. I know you will perform admirably," said Teal’c.

Sam looked over at them and said, "I guess the colonel told you this morning. I was planning to tell you at lunch."

Teal’c looked at Sam and said, "O’Neill must have thought it was best for us to hear your news from him first. You will be missed on SG-1, but this is a wonderful opportunity for you."

Teal’c was the only person who really ate much of their food. The colonel never showed up for lunch. Daniel did his best to be positive and congratulate Sam, but he felt that things would never feel right without her on the team. It wasn't as bad as losing his wife but it was still bad.

Sam went back to her lab after lunch. The tape in her head kept telling her she was supposed to be happy. This is what she had been working towards all these years. This is why she had repeatedly sacrificed having a life outside the SGC. She was being recognized for her skills and talents! She was being ripped from her family. She told herself to stop being melodramatic and ridiculous. She would still see them when they were all on down time. They would still hang out. Right?

Sam was so lost in her own thoughts she didn't see that Colonel O'Neill was already sitting in her lab as she entered.

"How was lunch?"

"Hi, sir! We missed you."

"I wasn't very hungry and I had a lot of paperwork to finish since my former second-in-command is getting her own command."

"Sir I know this will be weird but..."

"How about I pick you up at your place for a celebratory dinner at 1830?"

"Dinner? Well, that would be nice but I...."

"Don't even try to say no. I happen to know you are officially on down time and the files you need to review won't be available until tomorrow. You don't have any excuses to say no."

"There are still some reports I need to finish for you before I go."

"I have a feeling that even if you gave those reports to me right now I would still be three months late getting them finished. You'll have time to finish those reports and still have dinner with me. Since I am not your CO any longer I can't order you to join me for dinner but as your friend I won't take no as an answer."

"Yes, sir. I'll be ready at 1830."

"Good."
As O'Neill closed the door behind himself, he stuck his head back into her lab.

"I'll be wearing a tie so dress up a bit."

"Sir?..Sir?" The door closed and Sam was left wondering what O'Neill had planned.

Sam left the SGC at 1700 and headed straight home. She had no idea what to wear. It was times like this when she most missed being able to call Janet and indulge in some girl talk.

Sam took a quick shower. She tried on three different outfits before deciding on a black cocktail dress she had purchased for a reception several months back. She remembered the colonel complementing her appearance. She put a few curls in her hair and decided to put on her make-up a little heavier than usual. A spin in front of the mirror told her that she passed for feminine.

Sam's throat tightened when she heard the doorbell ring. She opened the door to see Colonel Jack O'Neill in a smart gray jacket with a black shirt and a black tie. He was holding one red rose and smiling.

"Good evening, Sam. You look beautiful." He handed her the rose.

"Thank you. You look great also. Do you want to come in for a minute?"

"Actually, if you are ready we probably need to get going so we aren't late for our reservation."

"Reservation?"

"That was why I missed lunch today. I had to call in few favors to get us in at Victorino's tonight."

"Victorino's! I've never been there but I have heard it is wonderful. And expensive!"

"I haven't been either but I figured we only get to celebrate this once and we were going to do it right. Are you ready?"

"Yes, sir."

"No. No sirs tonight. I am not your CO. We are going out as friends to celebrate. Agreed?"

"Agreed."

"Jack. Agreed, Jack."

Sam picked up her purse and closed the door to her house. She took the arm he offered her. Her open the door to his truck and she climbed in. She had a good view of him as he walked away and decided the black slacks fit nicely. She always did appreciate the view when she was on his six and tonight was no different.

The ride to dinner was quiet, a comfortable quiet. They were seated soon after they arrived at the restaurant.

The restaurant had low romantic lighting and soft music playing. It was also so expensive that there were no prices on the menu. Sam felt guilty when she thought about how much this must be costing.

"Stop worrying about the cost."

"Sir?"

"We agreed."

"Sorry. Are you sure about this?"

"Yes. There are many dinners I haven't been able to take you out for because I was your CO. Now that I am not your CO the least I can do is make up for all those dinners I wanted to buy you."

"Thanks. It hasn't really sunk in yet."

"What hasn't?"

"That you aren't my CO. I'm not sure if I can ever see you as anything other than my CO. You have been such a powerful influence on me. You have been a wonderful mentor."

Jack reached out and touched the back of her hand. She quietly gasped. She turned her hand up so their fingers were touching.

"I hope you can see me as your friend now that I am not your CO. We may not be on the same team together any more, but I still need you in my life. I can't imagine not having you around."

She smiled and he blushed, just slightly.

"I have no intention of ever leaving you. You make me smile. I need somebody who can make me smile."

The waiter interrupted to bring their salads and bread. The meal was as wonderful as they had been lead to believe. For dessert they shared a delicious chocolate-tiered cake and ice cream that would require them to each run an extra mile on the track the next day. The dinner conversation was warm and funny. They managed to not discuss work and instead concentrated on Cassie, hockey, Sam's niece and nephew, astronomy, and even pottery.

After dinner Jack escorted Sam back to his truck and opened the door for her. She felt so special. This was a side of the colonel she had always figured existed, and she was thrilled to get to experience it first hand.

When they got back to Sam's house Jack got out and escorted her to the front door.

"I had a great time tonight. Thanks, Jack." It still felt weird to call him Jack. She wondered if she would ever get use to it.

"I enjoyed myself. It was nice to just be us for once. I hope we can do it again, very soon." He liked hearing her call him Jack. He liked being with Sam not Major Carter.

"Would you like to come in for a drink?"

"I'm driving."

"I have soda." Sam wasn't ready for it to end. Everything just felt so right. She liked not having to hide behind her military persona.

"Diet or regular?"

"Diet."

"Maybe I'll have some water."

Sam smiled and her eyes twinkled. She opened the door and took his jacket. She went to kitchen and got herself a soda and him a glass of water. When she got the living room, she saw he was already sitting on the right side of the sofa looking at a magazine. She sat down in the middle of the sofa, staying just outside his personal space, and handed him his glass. Their fingers touched as he took the glass. She let her fingers linger longer than necessary.

She looked up at him and smiled, it was a nervous smile. His face remained serious. She took her hand off his glass but their eyes remained locked for a moment. She felt his left arm reach around her and touch her shoulder. She leaned into him.

He took a sip of the water and put the glass down on the table, on top of the magazine he had been flipping through. She put her soda down beside his glass. As she leaned back onto the sofa she felt his arm tighten around her. She placed her head on his shoulder against his neck. He smelled wonderful! Her heart was racing. She figured he had to be able to hear it pounding in her chest. She could tell his breathing had gotten a little faster. She looked up at him.

He felt her head moved and he looked down into those gorgeous blue eyes. He knew he would do anything when she used those eyes on him.

"Sam?"

"Yes." He knew what she meant. He closed his eyes and he turned towards her and softly kissed her lips. He was actually light headed. That hadn't happened since...? Ok so he couldn't remember how long it had been but who cared, it was happening now.

The feel of his lips was so electrifying. Nothing had ever moved Sam like this. A small part of her brain started to scream no but a bigger voice told it was alright now. She suddenly realized that he had come to that conclusion before they went to dinner. She always knew he was smart, but sometimes she forgot what a great tactician he could be.

After they stopped the first light kiss Jack looked at Sam. They both smiled.

"This was your plan all along wasn't it?"

"It really was just a celebratory dinner between good friends. I won't lie and say I didn't hope that the new command structure might open new doors for us. We don't have to do this if you aren't comfortable."

"I found that to be more than comfortable." Sam gave a shy kind of smile. "I knew command would have some perks but I just hadn't fully considered this one until now."

"And now that you are considering it?"

Sam shifted so she was facing Jack. Her eyes were twinkling. If she had to guess, he looked just a little nervous. She liked that she had him a little tense, a bit off balance.

"I'm wondering why we are talking so much."

Jack leaned in towards her and put his arms around her waist. As they started kissing, much deeper this time, Sam reached her hands up behind his head and ran her fingers through his hair.

After several deep kisses Sam pushed away and stood up. For just a moment, Sam saw a look of sadness cross Jack's face. He masked it and looked at her with a questioning look on his face. Sam put her hand out to him. He took her hand and stood up. She gave him a little pull and started walking away. It took him a moment but once he realized where she was leading a smile creped onto his face. It was his scoundrel grin, and she liked it.

Once they were in her bedroom there was no stopping them. Her dress fell to the floor as she moaned her consent. She worked hard to get his tie off. Finally he stopped kissing her neck long enough to help her remove his tie and shirt. They fell back on the bed and gave in to the passion that after too many years had suddenly been released.

The first time was fast and frenzied. Who could blame them? As they lay wrapped in each other's arms they began to get their breathing back under control. Just as Jack started to be able to think again he felt Sam's index finger tracing a line down his stomach towards his hip. Her touch was light and it sent shivers up his spine. He couldn't stop the low moan from escaping his lips. She smiled as she felt his body flinch. She kissed his chest. He began tracing circles on her bare back. He loved the feel of her against him!

They spent the next two hours just getting to know each other's bodies better. The second time was slow and full of the love they shared. This time they knew they had all the time they wanted.

When Sam woke, she knew she had over slept. She decided that was fine, especially since she had overslept with Jack beside her. She started to roll over so she could look at him but she bumped into him before she rolled all the way over.

"Morning, sleepy head."

"Morning, Jack. How long have you been awake?"

"Long enough to enjoy to view."

She smiled and ran her hand up his bare thigh. She heard him sucked in some air.

"Are you trying to give an old man a heart attack?"

"What a way to go."

"You'd have a hell of a time explaining it to Hammond."

She laughed and started to move her hand off his leg. He stopped her hand. He began to kiss her neck and he lightly bit her earlobe.

"If I gotta go I'd rather go like this."

Sam rolled over to face him. They looked into each other’s eyes for several moments before kissing, a long passionate deep kiss. They made love one more time. They both knew they wouldn't be missed on base and they both needed this.

After getting lunch together, they got to the SGC about 1300. They headed to their separate offices to begin sorting through the mountains of paperwork that had appeared overnight. Jack had only been in his office about ten minutes before Daniel appeared.

"Well, good afternoon Jack."

"Afternoon, Daniel." Jack just hoped he wasn't smiling too much.

"I was beginning to wonder if something was wrong. You usually let us know if you plan on being late."

"Sorry, I was busy this morning."

"Looking for our fourth team members, perhaps?"

"No, but I am starting that right now. Want to help?"

"Thanks, but I have plenty to keep me busy for a few days. You narrow it down to few choices and then I will be happy to take a look."

"Sounds good Danny boy!"

"You seem to be in a great mood considering Sam has just been ripped away from us."

Jack looked at Daniel and realized he was quite upset. Jack was kicking himself for not realizing sooner how this would affect Daniel.

"It will be strange without her as part of SG-1 but we will adjust. She hasn't left us, or the SGC. We will still be a family just not a team. I want her to know I support her. We all need to let her know we support her."

Daniel knew Jack spoke the truth. He was just finding it hard to be happy for her.

"You’re right, Jack. I'm sorry to be such a downer. I'll work on it."

"Hey Jack. Let’s take her out for dinner to celebrate. I'll set it up with her and Teal’c."

"Sounds great. Just let me know when and where."

Daniel looked better as he walked out the door. Jack couldn't help but wonder what Sam would think about another celebratory dinner.

Daniel called Jack and told him they would meet up top at 1800 to go out for steaks. Jack agreed. He smiled and couldn't resist hoping that this celebratory dinner ended as well as the last.

At 1700 there was a knock on Jack's door.

"Enter."

"I have the last of my reports ready for you, sir"

Jack couldn't help but smile his biggest grin at the sight of Carter standing in the doorway. He hadn't seen her look so happy in a long time. His insides swelled as he hoped her glow had to do with him, them.

"I knew you would get them done today. How are you doing?"

"I feel great. I slept wonderfully last night."

"Me too." They both smiled. Finally, Sam broke their eye contact and handed the reports to O'Neill.

"I was wondering if you would mind giving me a ride to dinner tonight since I didn't drive my car this morning."

"I would be honored."

"I'll see you up top in an hour. I just want to get some of SG-4’s folders organized before we leave tonight." Sam turned to leave.

"Are you taking them home to work on tonight?"

As Sam was stepping out of his door she turned, smiled, and said "I wasn't planning on having any time to review them tonight."

Jack leaned back in his chair and grinned. He loved life! He loved her!

Sam found dinner with Jack, Daniel, and Teal’c to be relaxing and lots of fun. She spent most of the night laughing so hard she had to work to stay in her chair. Even Teal’c chuckled a couple of times.

After dinner Jack took Sam home and he stayed, all night. Waking up beside Sam was a new sensation that he never planed to get tired of feeling.

The rest of the week went well. SG-1 still had most of their meals together and they found the conversations were less strained as they all got use to the idea of Sam not being there all the time. Jack and Sam kept finding themselves in each other’s arms in the morning.

When SG-4 returned to duty, Sam started having her meals with them. She made sure to stop by and see Daniel and Teal’c each day, especially Daniel, who seemed to be taking her absence the hardest. She didn't have to visit Jack since he was there when she went to sleep and when she woke. She and Jack went for a run each morning before going to the SGC. They did start back to driving in separately, so they could leave when they wanted and so people didn't start talking more than usual.

At the end of the second week Jack, Daniel, and Teal’c had finished interviewing several scientists recommended by Carter. They decided to pick a Captain Eades who had been with the SGC for two years. She seemed capable with a P-90 and could talk up a storm about how the gate worked. Jack just hoped he could get her to stop talking so much!

Sam had gotten her bearings with SG-4 and they were scheduled to go to PX4-876 the next morning at 0830 for a two-day scouting trip. Jack wasn't ready for how nervous he felt about her being off world without him. He held her a little tighter than night as they slept. She noticed but decided there wasn't anything she could say. The only thing she could do was go on the mission and show him everything would work out fine.

Jack, Daniel, and Teal’c watched as SG-4 went through the gate. They didn't speak to each other. It was tough. The general saw them and knew they needed to be kept busy. He asked SG-1 to go on a quick mission to bring some supplies to SG-7. It would take less than a day so they would be back before SG-4 was scheduled to return. It would also be an easy first mission for Captains Eades.

When SG-1 came back through the gate, the general could tell Jack was a little irritated. Even Daniel seemed to be a little off-centered. Teal’c and Captain Eades seemed fine. They all headed off to the infirmary. The CMO cleared them all quickly.

The general was waiting when Jack got to his office. "Colonel, can I help you?"

"Yes, sir. I just wanted to let you know that SG-7 is doing fine. They expect it to take another week to get to the lower levels of the mine where they expect to find some significant naquada deposits."

"That is good to hear. How did things go with Captain Eades?"

"Fine."

"Fine?"

"She talks a lot, even more than Daniel. She is still green in the field but I think with time she will work out."

"I am glad to hear it. Is there anything else?"

"No, sir."

"Dismissed."


"Thank you, sir"

Jack bumped into Daniel in the locker room. Daniel didn't look happy.

"How ya doing Danny boy?"

"So this is what it will be like now?"

"What do you mean?"

"She spilled my coffee and stepped on a potentially valuable artifact, breaking it in two."

"She's green, Daniel. So were you. We will help her."

"I know you’re right. I just can't imagine being in a tight situation with her. With Sam we each knew what the other would do without having to ask. I can't predict what Eades will do."

"I know. We will keep the missions light until we get a better feel for each other. It takes time Daniel. I have had many teams over the years and it always takes time to get use to how we each work. You can't expect her to step in and be Carter. That is asking her to be somebody she isn't. We have to learn how she fits and fill in the gaps ourselves."

"You’re right. I'm sure once I get some caffeine my attitude will improve."

Jack grinned at him and got in the shower. He hated breaking in new people but he knew that as the CO he was the one who had to make it work. The only team Daniel had ever been on was SG-1, the old SG-1, and this change would be tough for him. Jack knew Teal’c understood the need for change in the ranks and he dealt with it like a soldier.

The next afternoon Jack wasn't able to concentrate on his reports. He kept looking at the clock. He knew SG-4 was due to return in the next half hour. He couldn't wait to see Sam. He couldn't wait to hold Sam.

As soon as Jack heard the alarms he jumped up and raced to the control room. The general wasn't surprised to see him. Daniel and Teal’c filed in a few seconds after Jack. Some teams just couldn't be split up.

Three members of SG-4 came through the gate. They seemed relaxed and were smiling. Jack waited but there was no Carter.

"Sir, I am receiving a MALP signal. It is Major Carter, sir"

The general headed over to the sergeant. The screen showed the image of Major Carter still on the planet. She had a strange smile on her face.

"Sir, I will not be returning to the SGC."

"Is there a problem, Major?"

"Not exactly. I just have better things to do."

"Major! Explain yourself, NOW!"

"Oh, now don't be so uptight. I just want to have a little fun."

A pained expression crossed the major's face. She was gripping the MALP with all her strength trying to remain upright.

Through gritted teeth she said, "It...has...been a.....pleasure...to...serve...sir. Tell...my...father. Don't....follow."

Jack couldn't stand it. "Carter, what is going on?"

"Jack?"

Carter's head snapped down. As she looked back up Jack was sure he saw a glow in her eyes. A sick smile spread across her face. A short thin ugly little man came up behind her. He touched her arm.

"My lady, your ship arrives."

Carter looked into the camera. "I have set this machine to emit a continuous signal so the gate will remain active as long as possible. By the time you can reestablish a wormhole I will be long gone. If you try to follow us, I will kill you all. She is mine now."

Carter turned and walked towards the transport vessel landing behind her. Suddenly she bent over and grabbed her stomach. She turned and looked desperately at the camera. Her face changed again and she straightened up. She climbed into the ship, which took off. Jack screamed "NO!" as Carter got in the ship. He just stared as it took off.

Daniel just looked shocked. Teal’c couldn't make eye contact with either of them.

They were left staring at the landscape for over twenty minutes until the thirty-eight minute limit for the gate expired and it closed. The hurt and the loss were over whelming for all of them.

The general had the remaining members of SG-4 and SG-1 along with the CMO in the briefing room by the time the gate disengaged. They were reviewing the tape of Major Carter. Everyone on SG-4 said the Major seemed fine throughout the entire mission. Daniel was the first to say what they were all thinking.

"It seems obvious that she has been infected by a Goa'uld."

The CMO spoke up. "I disagree."

"Why doctor?" asked the general.

"When I was reviewing the tape I didn't see any evidence of a scar on the back of her neck."

"They have other, less visible ways, of entering the body." Just saying it made Jack shiver.

"I realize that. However, I also saw some strange lights on the left side of her head in her hair. I would like the chance to review the tape closer to see if I can figure out what they were."

"O'Neill, did the little man who spoke to Major Carter seem familiar to you?"

"No, why Teal’c?"

"I just feel like I have seen him before."

"Now that you mention it Teal’c I do think we have seen him before. Perhaps even more than once."

"What are you talking about, Daniel?"

"I'll be back in a minute." Daniel ran out of the room.

The general looked towards SG-4. "What can you tell us about this guy?"

"He hung around the Major the whole time we were on the planet. We just figured he had it bad for her. She pretty much just ignored him most of the time."
Daniel returned, out of breath. He had three videos with him. He had been using the camera to record artifacts on their last few missions. He put the first tape into the machine and began fast forwarding through.

"There." He yelled. Daniel stopped the tape. It was the little weasel guy standing just behind and to the right of Carter. "That was two planets ago.”

Daniel took the tape out and replaced it with the last mission the old SG-1 went on. It didn't take long to find the same guy on the tape still hovering around Carter.

"They were after her." Jack felt his stomach lurch. They had just been waiting for her to be alone, without him to protect her. He had lost her.

"I have asked the sergeant to send a message to Jacob. Not only do we need to inform him of what has happened, but he might be able to use the Tok’ra informants to help us locate Major Carter." The general kept his eyes on Colonel O'Neill as he spoke. He hadn't ever seen the colonel look this bad.

"Then I can begin planning a rescue mission so we are ready once we know where she is being held."

"Hold on, Jack. First, we need to find out where she is. Then we can begin discussing a rescue."

"Discussing?"

"Calm down. You know I will do everything in my power to get her home, safe."

"Yes, sir."

SG-1 and SG-4 returned to PX4-876 to talk to locals. They hoped to find out about the weasel guy. Nobody knew him. The few who recognized him said he showed up about the same time as SG-4 and was only seen hanging around them. There was no helpful information available so they returned to the SGC two days later.

Jack was barely keeping it together. Images of what could be happening to Sam kept passing through his mind. They were slowly driving him insane. He was a man of action and waiting around made him angry at everybody and nobody.

After a week and a half the alarms notified Jack that somebody was coming through the gate. He raced to the control room. This wasn't the first time this had happened since she disappeared so he tried to not let his hopes get up.

"We are getting the Tok’ra ID sir."

"Open the iris." The general watched the gate.

As Jacob emerged he looked at Jack and yelled, "How could you let this happen to her?"

Jack looked down. He couldn't make eye contact with Jacob. He knew how it felt to lose a child and there was nothing that could be said. Although Jack knew in his head he wasn't to blame in his heart he felt guilty for having recommended her. It was his recommendation that had lead to her being taken. It was his fault.
General Hammond intercepted Jacob as he moved towards Jack in the control room.

"Jack wasn't with her when this happened. She had just been made CO of SG-4. This isn't anyone's fault, Jacob."

Jacob looked at his friend George and knew he spoke the truth. Jacob still felt like he needed somebody to blame. Jack understood that feeling and it was fine if Jacob decided to blame him since he was already blaming himself.

By this time Daniel and Teal’c had made it to briefing room, coming just behind Jack, the general, and Jacob. Jacob placed a Tok’ra recording device on the table. They all stared at the image displayed before them. It was Sam in a tight fitting top that didn't go far enough down her stomach and tight pants that didn't go high enough up her hips. The whole outfit was black. She was sitting beside Anubis. She had a blank look on her face.

"This image was sent to us by a Tok’ra spy acting as a minor Goa'uld who has recently been asked by Anubis to join his ranks. He didn't realize who Sam was when he sent the image. He was just letting us know he was with Anubis."

The general saw the pain in Jacob’s face. He had the sergeant bring in the video of Major Carter leaving the planet in the transport they now knew must have belonged to Anubis. Jacob couldn't hide a gasp of horror when he saw her eyes glow.

"Our CMO doesn't believe she has been infected by a Goa'uld. There wasn't a neck scar and after reviewing the tape he believes there is a piece of technology applied to side of her head under her hair. He believes that is how she is being controlled. It may also account for her eyes." The general could tell this helped Jacob a little bit.

"Now that we know where she is we need to plan a way to get her out." Jack's stare bore holes through the general.

"I will listen to all of your suggestions. Jacob, can the Tok’ra provide us with any intel that might help?"

"I will see what I can find out. It might take a week for me to make the right contacts."

Jack jumped up. "A week? She has already been gone for almost two weeks. How long are we supposed to leave her there?"

Jacob stood up and faced O'Neill. "Do you really think I would leave my daughter there any longer than necessary? I can assure you I know more about what Anubis might be doing to her than you do. I also know if we go in there with half a plan that she may end up dead, along with all of us. This has to be done right."

It took Jacob almost three weeks to return. In that time Jack had grown thinner and grumpier. Teal’c tried to get Jack to relieve some of his tension in the gym but it seemed to do little good. Daniel wasn't getting much more sleep than Jack, and neither of them were getting much real work done. Jack didn't even feel like he could drown his sorrows in alcohol since he had to be ready to go to her rescue on short notice. Every few days he went to her house to water the plants and pay the outstanding bills. Once he even crawled into her bed and he couldn't stop himself from crying. He woke up several hours later and realized that it was the most continuous sleep he had experienced since she left over a month before.

The general knew SG-1 was stuck in an awful limbo, they couldn't fight for her and they could mourn her. They couldn't move on and he wasn't about to suggest it, not yet anyway. He was relieved when Jacob finally returned.

Once SG-1, Jacob, and the general were seated in the briefing room, Jacob began. "I am sorry it took so long. I know where she is being held, and I think I have a way for Jack and Daniel to get in."

"Why only the colonel and Dr. Jackson?" asked Captain Eades. Jacob looked at her like she was an invader but his expression was hidden when Selmak took over.

"Neither Colonel O'Neill nor Daniel have symbiotes so they can hide as slaves. Teal’c and I cannot act as slaves due to our symbiotes. We have found the route used to bring slaves to Anubis. We think it would be possible to smuggle the colonel and Dr. Jackson onto Anubis's ship among the slaves. Teal’c will have to wait with me in a nearby cargo ship for a signal once Major Carter has been retrieved."

"We're ready. Let's go."

The general looked at Jack. "Hold on a moment. How will you get Jack and Daniel to be accepted as slaves?"

"We will sell them to a slave trader that has done some work for the Tok’ra before. The hardest part of this plan is making sure that they end up being sent to Anubis and not some other system lord. It may take several weeks for them to actually reach Anubis's ship. The slave trade is not a fast process."

"Then we have wasted enough time already!"

"Alright Jack, try to relax. Let's plan this out. The better the plan, the better the chance for success."

"Yes, sir." The general could tell all Jack wanted to do was begin doing something. By the end of the day, they had figured out as much of a plan as possible. Jack busied himself with collecting his gear. Jack, Daniel, and Teal’c were ready to leave with Jacob at 0700 the next morning. Jack had convinced the general that Eades was still too green for this mission so she was staying behind. Jack was sure she would be part of a different team by the time they returned.

Jacob got them a transport and they went to a mining colony four days from where they picked up the transport ship. Four days trapped in that ship with Jack was torture for everyone. Once they reached the mining colony, Jack and Daniel were sold to a mine operator.

They spent over a week working in the mines. Although the constant work kept Jack from being too restless, he was beginning to wonder if this was really going to work. He wasn't sure how long he could wait. Eventually they were sold to a merchant ship and after over another week they were sold to a minor Goa'uld. They suspect he might be a Tok’ra but they knew better than to mention it. It took over a month but they were eventually sold to Anubis. They didn’t actually seen Anubis but they could tell by the Jaffa leading them to power core that they were in Anubis's possession.

It took several days to begin plotting their way around the ship. There had been very little intel about the inside of the ship. Neither Daniel not Jack had seen Sam yet. Daniel got reassigned to the kitchen area of the ship while Jack was still left in the power core. Daniel was better able to do some reconnaissance and it only took him two days to locate Sam’s room. He made sure she couldn't see him each time he checked on her. Jacob had warned him that if Sam recognized him then the entity possessing her would be alerted to his presence.

"How does she look, Daniel?"

"Sad. I don't really see much of Sam in her face. She doesn't look injured."

"There is no telling what he has done to her mind."

"Jack, now that we know where she is, how are we going to get her out?"

"I've been thinking about that. Tomorrow while you are getting ready to serve the Jaffa lunch I will blow a power grid. We will meet in Sam's room. There is a set of transport rings one level down. We will signal Jacob when we leave her room on our way to the rings."

"Sounds simple enough."

"Then count on it being tough."

Jack blew a power grind just as lunch was being served. Luckily, or perhaps thanks to great planning on Jack's part, the power grind that blew sent Sam's quarters into darkness. Daniel and Jack found it easier to maneuver without being questioned in the darkness. They signaled Jacob just before they stepped into her room. Jack grabbed her from behind. He covered her eyes and grabbed her around the waist. She began to fight him. He hated to do it but he decided the easiest way to get her out was without her fighting. He turned her around and punched her hard across the face. She was out cold.

"Jack!"

"It had to be done, Daniel. Now she can't report our position."

Anubis knew immediately that his new pet was in danger. The chip that linked their brains told him she had been punched. He assumed her friends must have finally arrived. It certainly had taken them long enough. He had already grown bored playing with her mind. Since she was out cold he could use her sense to track her position.

He had to remember not to underestimate the Tauri! She alone had proven quite capable of hiding the most interesting parts of her mind from him. A few times she had even over powered him and forced him out of her mind, although it had been a long time since she had been that strong. A lack of food had ensured she was weak enough to be controlled, even though she was able to keep a wall up between her mind and his.

Daniel and Jack, who was carrying Carter, hid behind a panel waiting for the Jaffa running by to pass. They didn't blend as well carrying a passed out girl in their arms. Without warning Daniel jumped out at a Jaffa that had fallen behind the pack and tripped him. Daniel grabbed his head and hit it against the floor before the Jaffa had a chance to yell. Jack was impressed. Daniel looked up at him, a smug grin on his face.

"I figured we could use a weapon."

"Nice thinking, Danny."

They made it to the lower level without firing a shot. Jack gave Sam to Daniel and Jack took the lead. He had to shoot two Jaffa before they got the ring room. They signaled Jacob and quickly found themselves in the transport.

Jacob ran over to Sam as Teal’c got the ship started. They were being heavily pursued and Teal’c was working hard to get them far enough away so they could make a hyperjump.

Jacob leaned over Sam, still being held by Daniel.

"Sam, baby, can you hear me? Sam?"

Her eyes squeezed themselves tight and then suddenly opened.

"I knew you would be foolish enough to come after her. It certainly took you long enough. I had started to think I had been wrong about the bravery and stupidity of the Tauri!" When Jack heard those words come from Sam's mouth he knew she wasn't in control.

"Cover her eyes and ears so she can't report our position, just in case the doctor is right and she is linked to somebody." A blindfolded Carter sat in the middle of the cargo ship. It was a tough fight but between Jacob and Teal’c they managed to get enough space between them and the death gliders to make the hyperjump. For the moment they were safe.

Jack, Jacob, and Daniel moved Sam into the cargo hold so she wouldn't be able to see outside the ship. Teal’c stayed at the helm. When they took her blindfold off they saw an evil grin spread across her face.

At first Sam just laughed. Then she began to look like she was in pain, just like she had back on the planet when she was looking into the MALP.

"It is two-way!" she screamed.

They just looked at her. Her eyes glowed softly and the evil grin reappeared.

"What do you think you will do now? I know everything she knows. I will hunt you down and destroy you. The Tauri will bow to me and beg for my mercy thanks to your efforts to rescue your friend. It is your sense of devotion and compassion that will be your undoing."

Jack was sick of listening to his words coming from her mouth. The pained expression occurred again.

"Kill me...kill him. Kill me...kill him!"

Daniel just looked at Jack. "What is she suggesting?" By the time Daniel had finished speaking it was obvious that Anubis was in control again. Jack signaled for Jacob and Daniel to leave the cargo room with him. They made sure she was tied tight and followed Jack.

"If I understand her correctly she is trying to tell us that by killing her we would be killing Anubis." Jack couldn't look at Jacob or Daniel as he said it so he stared at his boots.

"You can't be suggesting that we kill her?" Daniel looked horrified.

"Actually, Daniel, she is suggesting it.”

"Why would that work?"

Selmak was the first to speak. "If she is correct that the connection between her and Anubis is a two-way connection, then if we send energy along that connection it might overload his mind as it overloads hers."

Daniel shuddered, "You mean like using one of those hand held assassin contraptions?"

"Yes."

"Jack, you can't let him!"

"What do you want us to do? Take her back to the SGC so Anubis can have a look around? Sam is asking us to sacrifice her because she believes it will lead to Anubis's downfall."

They both looked at Jacob. "I can't do it but I won't stand in Selmak's way if she feels it is necessary."

Daniel was shocked.

"O'Neill, there are death gliders headed in our direction. I think we have been found."

"Alright Teal’c, buy us as much time as you can."

Jacob and Jack went back into the cargo room. Daniel hesitated but he followed. They all looked at Sam. Jacob kissed her on the cheek before Selmak took over. Selmak pulled a hand device out of his robes and pointed at Sam. The effect was instant. Even Teal’c could hear her screams. Daniel couldn't watch. Jack couldn't take his eyes off of her. After months trying to get her back he was in the middle of nowhere watching her die.

Selmak stopped. "Jacob’s pain is making it too difficult to continue."

Jack looked at Jacob. "What do you mean?"

"It requires hate to active the device. Jacobs love and sorrow is so powerful that I can not keep the device active."

Daniel went to Sam. "She is still breathing. Maybe we could stop now and just get her back to the SGC?"

"You have to finish it." Sam opened her eyes. "I have opened my mind to him and I can feel him weakening. You have to finish it."

"I am sorry Samantha, but your father's grief is too intense. I can not fight it."

Sam looked at Jack. She saw the pain in his face. "You can do this, Jack. Concentrate on Anubis and finish this." She screamed as Anubis began to gain control again.

Jack took the device from Jacob and put it on his hand. He only hoped his brush with having a symbiote in him would give him the control he needed. Thoughts of Anubis hurting Sam entered his mind and the device began to vibrate. He pointed it at Sam as Daniel jumped out of the way.

Neither Daniel nor Jacob could believe what they were seeing. Jack kept the device pointed at Sam as she screamed. They all knew it was her screaming. They could only hope Anubis was feeling the effects also.

"The death gliders seem to be leaving. It is as if they no longer know where we are." Jack registered Teal’c's words, but he had to make sure it was finished.
Finally Jack couldn't take it any longer and his hand dropped. So did the tears in his eyes. Jacob didn't move as the ship again entered a hyperjump. Daniel went to Sam.

"She's gone." He looked up at Jack. "You killed her!"

Jack went over to Sam. He turned her head and looked through her hair for the device that linked her to Anubis. He put his fingers under the edge of the device and pulled. He was nauseous when he saw how long the probe was that had been stuck in her head. As he threw the probe on the floor he heard Sam exhale one breath.

Daniel jumped. "Did you hear that?"

"Yeah."

Daniel checked her pulse. "I think I feel a light pulse. Jacob, get over here!"

Jacob pulled a healing device from his robes and got started. After over an hour he collapsed. Sam wasn't conscious, but she had a strong pulse and was breathing on her own.

Jack decided it was worth the risk and decided to head back to the SGC. They headed to the closest safe gate. Jacob hid the ship. They dialed earth and sent their GDO code. Medics were standing by as soon as they came through the gate. The general look both pleased and worried as he saw Major Carter.

Four hours later, after they had all been cleared by the CMO, except for Major Carter who was still comatose, they joined the general in the briefing room. They told the general everything about their times as slaves and the rescue of Major Carter. Jacob told them he had received a message from the Tok’ra reporting that Anubis's forces were in disarray and several different system lords were in battle trying to get pieces of the empire Anubis had been building. Chaos among the Goa'uld is always a good thing. They had not been able to determine what had happened to Anubis.

The general looked at the CMO. "Do you think the connection between Major Carter and Anubis has been broken?"

"I do not see any evidence of a connection since the probe has been removed."

"How much damage do you think the probe has caused?"

"I will not know until she wakes up, if she wakes up."

"She will wake up." Jack stared at the CMO with venom in his eyes. No one should doubt Sam. He knew how strong she was and he knew she would win.
"There is something else about her medical condition that I feel you need to know sir, although I am not sure if I should report it here."

The general looked around the room. He knew it would be useless to try and keep anything from this crowd. "Go ahead and tell us."

"The major is about three months pregnant."

They all just stared at the CMO.

"Three months? That means she was pregnant before she was taken, right?" Daniel looked at the CMO. He could tell they were all wondering the same thing.
"It is possible. Pregnancy is calculated based on the last day of menstruation so if a woman is three months pregnant then the act of conception happed two and a half months ago. That puts the date of conception around the time she was taken. The closest I can guess is between two days before she was taken or two days after she was taken. There is no evidence of any recent sexual activity. Was she in a relationship before she left?"

Daniel looked down at his hands. "Not that I know of."

"Yes." All eyes turned to Jack. "It was a new relationship and she hadn't informed many people yet."

The general decided this wasn't the time or place for this conversation. "We will have to wait until Major Carter regains consciousness before we will solve this mystery. Is there anything else? Good. You are dismissed."

Jacob, Jack, Daniel, and Teal’c headed back down to the infirmary. It took almost a week but Sam regained consciousness and the first face she saw was Jack's. He had only left when the general ordered him to get some sleep, and the general had only been forced to do that twice.

Sam smiled. "Hey, stranger. Long time no see."

The tears in his eyes told her all she needed to know.

"I missed you, Sam." He was holding her hand. "I'm sorry it had to be me that....that"

"..killed me. I'm not. I had enough faith in your strength to know you could do what I asked. You were saving me, the only way you could."

Jacob heard her voice when he walked into the infirmary and ran over. He touched her face and smile. "Hey baby. How are you feeling?"

"Alone, which is just the way I like my head." They smiled at each other.

Once Jacob knew Sam would be alright he contacted the Tok’ra and found out he was needed. He promised to return soon.

After three days awake in the infirmary Sam was getting restless. Jack brought her lunch.

Sam was looking at her hands. "Jack, there is something I need to know and I feel most comfortable asking you." She looked so nervous. Jack would have done anything to help her feel better.

"Go ahead."

"Am I pregnant?"

"Yeah. We didn't realize that you knew."

"I started to figure it out about a month ago. I had to work hard to keep it a secret from Anubis. If you had gotten there much later I'm pretty sure he would have figured it out by seeing it in my mind."

"Is it....is it.."

"Ours?"

"Yes?"

She smiled. It was the most beautiful sight he had seen in months. "Yes."

He hugged her tight. When she was released from the infirmary, she went home with Jack. He wanted to look after her while she finished recuperating. He knew he would need to be there for her when the nightmares started. He wanted to build a family with her. He wanted her to be close enough so she would always know how much he loved her. He knew after the baby was born she would return to a command position and go through the gate again. He knew he would always worry. He also knew she would always return to him and they would always be happy together.